Paths We Shouldn ’ t Take
Isaiah 53:6
Wednesday , March 28th
Years ago , my wife and I got to spend some time in Bako National Park in Malaysia . We got a great rate on our travel because our trip was right at the end of the monsoon season . For the most part , the weather was fine and the trip was lovely . Since we were in such a special place , we opted for a hike and an opportunity to see some truly unique plants and animals .
What we failed to fully grasp , however , was that the previous weeks of rain had left certain hiking paths under water . We also didn ’ t realize that some portions of the paths were closed to visitors . Furthermore , the water made it easy to miss a few important forks in the path . Our failures and nature ’ s treachery conspired to turn our leisurely stroll into a nine-mile slog .
When I think back on that hike , I tend to make mental excuses that explain why my wife and I should not have been culpable for our missteps . Chief among these is the fact that the closed paths were not marked . I also attempt to outweigh the bad with the good . We did see some amazing sights and make it back safely , after all . In fact , if I ’ m honest , when I share the story it ’ s much more fun to make my wife and I out to be intrepid explorers rather than bumbling soggy foreigners .
When we find ourselves astray of God ’ s will revealed in his word , we often try to rationalize our sins . We like to carve out explanations for why our sins aren ’ t really sins . We like to find mistakes in others that make our sins seem insignificant . Sometimes , in fits of perverse thought , we try to justify our behaviors by showing that they achieved some worthy cause . This rationalizing , explaining , comparing , and justifying really gets us nowhere . We have to give up this failed defense and trust our Savior who carried our sins on himself .
In our Scripture for today , Isaiah lays out the universal nature of this problem as well as the singular solution . All have gone astray . No one can defend themselves before the judge . But all sins have been laid on our Savior Jesus . Our own defense is unnecessary . Our true defense is Jesus .
When your feet stray , when your heart is angry , and when your eye is jealous , repent . Know that your God has taken your guilt and placed you back on his path .
Prayer : Holy Spirit , work through the Word to strengthen me . Increase my trust in God and his love . Build in me an unassailable confidence that Jesus speaks in my defense and has secured my salvation . Amen .
Activity : Read Psalm 22 . As you look forward to Maundy Thursday and Good Friday , consider the things that Jesus did in order to be your perfect defense and your freedom from punishment .
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